Python found in garden

A gardener had a lucky escape after finding a large python on his allotment on Monday.

Ronnie Kenyon, 58, went to pick up what he thought was a branch on the plot of land in Blackburn when he realised his mistake.

Police managed to put the 5m snake in an evidence bag to take to a local vet. 

Sgt Graham Brownsmith, of Lancashire Police, said: 'The only advice we were given was "Don't approach it from the front".

'Luckily it was a cold day so it was quite docile.  There's obviously a lot of strength in a snake of that size.'

No one has claimed the python and police believe it may have grown too big for its owner to keep.